Know What Time It Is!

by Bob Anderson, PhD, CMSgt (Ret)

 

Being able to tell time is important in an Outlast event. It helps you keep on schedule, it helps measure distance, it helps you approximate how long you slept or may have been unconscious; and the last time you saw signs of civilization.

 

A wind up watch or clock is best as it doesn't use batteries; just make sure you remember to wind it once a day. It's a challenge finding wind up watches at the local stores; however, online stores have a good selection available.

 

There's a great watch concept out by Citizen called EcoDrive. These are basically auto winding watches and are powered by light sources (not just solar). They come in a variety of styles and shapes but are more expensive than your standard battery watch. I got one for my wifefor Christmas and she loves it.

 

Some digital watches will function as a compass but you have to be sure the watch is set for your specific time zone and latitude. Of course having a compass on hand is the best way to go, but life happens...

 

A time piece helps time paces, and check pulse rates. Some could be used as a signal mirror and still others as a light source. Some watch crystals have a good shape to function as a magnifying glass (but you have to remove it from the watch) which can act as a fire starter.

 

Also, a watch can also help you find your directions when you're lost. If you have an analog wrist watch, you can use the time to find north. Hold your watch up in front of you, and let the short (hour) hand point at the sun. While holding it like this, cut the angle between the hour hand and 12 o'clock in half.

 

If the time is before 6am or after 6pm, that way is south. Ergo, if you turn exact opposite, you're heading north; left is east and right is west.

 

If your watch is digital, no problem, just draw an analog watch face on a piece of paper that way you have created hands on the watch face without having real ones. The rest of the method is identical.

 

Lastly, don't forget the watch band; it has uses besides just holding the watch on your wrist.  

 

I'll tell you more about Outlasting next week!